Natural Ingredients that turn back the clock on Aging

We covered some of the more mainstream natural anti-aging ingredients last week. But there are other more exotic ingredients that you may not have heard of or were not aware that they are both safe and beneficial.

Co-Enzyme Q10, White Tea Extract, and Bamboo Extract are ingredients we are mostly familiar with, or can at least place where they come from. But what are ingredients with un-natural sounding names like Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, Sepilift, and Arbutin doing in natural anti-aging products?

They may sound like they have come from a lab, but these ingredients are not only super anti-agers, but safe and naturally-derived too. We will break them down individually so you can get a better idea of what you are using on your skin.

Bio-Hyaluronic Acid (listed in skin care products as Sodium Hyaluronate) acts as a poweful humectant to retain moisture, and improves the skin's resilience, elasticity and strength. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component found in the body's connective tissues. HA was originally extracted from rooster combs, but is now produced from benign fermentation cultures (similar to the German processes to create beer and sauerkraut!), and is animal-free. This ingredient is very effective to strengthen the connective tissues and is one of LAVERE's star ingredients to plump and firm the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient is found in fairly high concentration in our customer favorite Hydro Lifting Serum and Solution Lifting Serum.

Sepilift is an anti-ager that inhibits the processes that break down collagen, helping skin to appear firmer and smoother. It is effective against both deep and fine wrinkles and increases the skin's moisture level. While the name may sound man-made, Sepilift (or Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline) is actually a plant-derived single amino acid. Sepilift can be found throughout the Solution line, including the Lip Volumizer.

Cova Extract or Cova B Trox, is a complex of active marine magnesium, algae extract, and polysaccharides rich in minerals that soften and smooth skin, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Polysaccharide sugars aid in moisture retention and skin elasticity, and zinc and magnesium to promote healthy cell function. Cova Extract is a safe, non-toxic, and non-paralysing alternative to Botox (botulinum toxin) injections. It appears in the INCI ingredient list as a combination of Algae, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract, Magnesium Gluconate, Maltose. Cova Extract can be found in the Hydro Cool Eye Roll-on and the Intensive Anti-Aging Line.

You have most likely heard of Co-Enzyme Q-10. CoQ10 or (INCI: Ubiquinone) is a natural cellular substance produced by the body necessary for proper cell function. As we age our natural levels of CoQ10 decrease, resulting in decreased collagen and elastin production, causing skin to sag and wrinkle. This powerful anti-aging ingredient boosts skin repair and prevents free radical damage. Co-Enzyme Q-10 can be found in the Solution Eye Cream, Solution Lifting Serum, Solution Lip Volumizer and Hydro Sensation Moisturizing Cream.

As with green tea, White Tea Extract is packed with antioxidants to ward off free radical damage. White Tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Its leaves are picked before the leaves are fully opened, while the tea buds are still covered with a fine white hair. It is scarcer and quite a bit more expensive than other traditional teas. Studies show white tea to be superior in boosting immunity and protecting against sun damage. Its healing and protective effects keep skin healthy and young-looking. White Tea Extract can be found in the LAVERE Intensive Line.

Bamboo Extract aka Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract is rich in silica, a naturally occurring element in the body, required for the formation and maintenance of connective tissue. Silica contains nourishing amino acids, vitamins and minerals, to protect the skin and improve circulation. Bamboo Extract can also be found in the LAVERE Intensive Line.

And we can not forget the anti-aging effects of vitamins. Vitamins A, C and E are especially beneficial in slowing signs of aging and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.

And you may be using them in your skincare and not even know it. On skincare products using INCI labeling standards Vitamins A, C and E will show up as Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid/Palmitate and Tocopherol/Tocopheryl Acetate, respectively.

You remember the Retin-A (the synthetic version of Vitamin A) craze of a decade or two ago. Retinyl Palmitate, or Vitamin A, is highly effective in smoothing the skin and regulating natural oil production. Its soothing and hydrating effects also make it suitable for dry skin. This vitamin is thought to reverse and repair past sun damage, and help to stop the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Plus, it has also been known to help with such skin issues as acne and eczema. A deficiency of Vitamin A in the body reduces mucopolysaccharides (sugar molecules that attract and hold water), actually accelerating signs of aging. So this vitamin plays an important role in healthy, youthful skin as we grow older.

Vitamin C (aka Ascorbic Acid/Palmitate) plays a vital role in building collagen and provides healthy nutrients to the skin. This vitamin inhibits excessive melanin production and helps to lighten the skin. It also reduces inflammation and swelling. The majority of Lavera products contain Vitamin C.

The most potent antioxidant vitamin, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), protects skin from free radical damage which can lead to premature aging and disease. Vitamin E is also very effective in reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and healing the skin. This vitamin is a real team player, regulating Vitamin A in the body. And Vitamins C and E support each other and work well together as antioxidant powered anti-agers. Most Lavera and LAVERE products contain Vitamin E. Also rich in Vitamin E is Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis) found in the Hydro Bronzers (Cool Beige and Soft Bronze), the Hydro Sensation Moisturizing Cream and the Solution Night Cream. A variety of Baby creams, Neutral lotions and the FACES Wild Rose Eye Gel also contain this ingredient.

Over time damage from sun, stress and toxins can cause cellular damage. Protective plant extracts and nutritional vitamins can benefit skin by boosting immune function of skin cells and fighting free radical damage. LAVERE Anti-aging Skin Care lines offer natural and effective anti-aging ingredients you can feel good about. While you may pay hundreds of dollars for anti-aging products chock full of parabens and synthetic anti-aging ingredients, we at Lavera want you to know that effective, natural and non-toxic alternatives are available. Both our human volunteer testers, our many loyal LAVERE customers and celebrity users can attest to the effectiveness of these natural anti-aging ingredients in our products to keep skin looking and feeling youthful and vibrant.